LAKEVIEW, Ohio — It’s been two weeks since Indian Lake State Park had to shut down because of the damage from an EF3 tornado.
On Friday, the park reopened to the public. Park Manager Hiedie Whitman said it’s been a busy two weeks of cleaning up downed trees and debris in the water.
“Lakeview bank got hit hard, so did Southbank. Our Fox Island area, we lost a shelter house and some good size trees in that area,” said Whitman.
Whitman said they worked hard to get the park back open as soon as possible. With Easter weekend, she is hoping the park will bring tourists back to the lake.
“We draw in so many visitors. It’s a good thing for our local businesses, local restaurants that depend on the visitation at the park,” said Whitman. “When they say Indian Lake strong on the windows, that is exactly what we are. Indian Lake strong.”
Larry Winkler and his family visited the campground on Friday. He said they worried about it not being back open in time for Easter weekend.
“We were wondering if we could even go camping this weekend, you have to make reservations. We are just so glad they can have the park open and we can camp,” said Winkler.
Winkler and his family have made a tradition of going to Indian Lake State Park every Easter to celebrate with family.
“We enjoy many things. The first night we always get a fire going and cook hot dogs and just sit around and talk,” said Winkler.
Winkler said Indian Lake State Park is his favorite park. He’s impressed the park was able to bounce back so fast after the tornado damage.
“They did a lot of work and they continue to work on it and make it the best they can. That’s all you can ask for,” he said.
Indian Lake State Park is booked completely next weekend for the total solar eclipse.